53 Train Rides for Kids That Every Family Should Take at Least Once
Ride the rails with your little ones and see the U.S. in a new way.
Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
You’ve traveled by car, by bus, and by plane—but we guarantee you and your kids have never seen America like this. For your next family adventure, hop on board one of these amazing train rides for kids (that just so happen to be adult-friendly too!) and get ready to take in some seriously beautiful views. From Alabama to Wyoming and nearly every state in between, there's something on our list that's bound to suit your vacation style and taste for adventure. Traverse canyons, peep some pretty fall foliage, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious fare offered in one of the trains' dining cars. We know what you might be thinking: Isn't rail travel a thing of the past? Nope, not really. These 55 stunning U.S. train rides might have begun operating way back in the early 1900s—and some, believe it or not, in the late 1800s—but the experience of riding them is every bit as wonderful today. In fact, it's doubly wonderful, because it's something your kids won't see or do every day. That makes a train ride an extra-special event, and the memories that follow will be treasured by your whole family for years to come.
Vermont: Ethan Allen Express
Get on in the city, get off in the country! This 5.5-hour journey is the most beautiful way to get from New York City to Rutland, Vermont, passing through dozens of quaint New England towns along the way. It's fast, scenic, and oh-so-memorable.
Colorado: Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
The repurposed vintage trains on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad operate out of Alamosa, La Veta, and Monte Vista, Colorado. Your kids will love the chance to experience a ride on a real steam or diesel train, and you'll be left in awe of the stunning views.
Connecticut: The Danbury Railway Museum
The Danbury Railway Museum is the perfect place to take your kids this fall. Not only does the experience include a ride on a real operating turntable, but it's also open nearly every weekend between April and November. Just be sure to check the museum's website for updated times.
Alabama: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Located just south of Birmingham, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum provides plenty of options for the whole family, including the one-hour Calera & Shelby Saturday Train Ride that chugs through the beautiful forests of Shelby County and kid-friendly events like the Pumpkin Patch Express and the Santa Special.
Alaska: Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train
Make the most of a visit to Alaska by riding on Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train, a 12-hour journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks. On a clear day, you'll have full view of the train's namesake landmark, Denali Mountain (formerly Mount McKinley), which is the tallest peak in North America
Arizona: Grand Canyon Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway offers a 65-mile, 2 hour and 15 minute train ride along the edge of the Colorado Plateau, at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Don't forget to look into the company's popular Polar Express Train Ride, offered during the holiday season.
Arkansas: Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is open April through October and travels along the restored Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad. In November, the railway offers a distinctive off-season experience with its Saturday Excursion Trains. Have a lovely meal in the 1920s Eurekan Dining Car and view the fall leaves.
California: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner
Instead of traveling down California's Pacific Coast Highway by car, consider taking in views of the ocean via Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, which travels from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, a journey that's approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes of pure scenic bliss.
Colorado: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
It doesn’t get much more rough and rowdy than this. Imagine that you’re a 19th-century cowboy and take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Choose the Cascade Canyon Excursion and ride a coal-fired locomotive as it chugs along 45 miles of rails originally constructed in 1882. The views of the Animas River can’t be beat.
Connecticut: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Travel by land and by water during an unforgettable excursion the whole family is sure to love. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a two and a half-hour jaunt that includes a 12-mile ride on a steam locomotive through the Connecticut River Valley. Then, board the Becky Thatcher riverboat and glide in style along the Connecticut River.
Delaware: Wilmington and Western Railroad
You might feel as if you’ve traveled in a time machine when you hop onto a train at the Wilmington and Western Railroad. Choose the historic Mt. Cuba Meteor to ride through Delaware’s Red Clay Valley and have a picnic lunch on the Hockessin Flyer, which travels the entire length of the 17-mile line.
Florida: Florida Railroad Museum
Soak up palm trees and lush greenery as you enjoy a 13-mile round trip on a diesel train through the Florida Railroad Museum. Don’t miss the museum’s fun events, like the Wild West Train Robbery or the North Pole Express.
Georgia: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Take in Georgia's beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, Chattahoochee National Forest, and Toccoa River during this four-hour open-air ride with Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Don't miss their "Firecracker Special," which includes a festive firework show.
Hawaii: Kauai Plantation Railway
Now this is a unique way to see Hawaii! Book a ride with the Kauai Plantation Railway and you’ll coast along through jungles and farmland in a reproduction train from the period of King Kalakaua. The conductor will stop during the trip to allow travelers to hike in a rainforest and pick their own tropical fruits.
Idaho: Thunder Mountain Line
As Idaho’s only scenic train ride, you’ll be amazed at the scenery as you travel alongside the Payette River and Boise National Forest. For an exceptionally one-of-a-kind experience, book the “Raft and Rails” package in which participants take an hour and a half-long train ride to the rapids of the Payette River. Get ready for a heart-pounding rafting adventure!
Illinois: Illinois Railway Museum
Your kids will love seeing all of the cool trains on display at the Illinois Railway Museum. This huge place holds the largest collection of historic railway equipment in North America. After taking in all that history, hit the rails for a 45-minute ride on a train of yore.
Indiana: Whitewater Valley Railroad
The Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, Indiana takes visitors to Metamora, a restored canal town with a working grist mill, horse-drawn canal boat, shops, restaurants, and more.
Iowa: Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
In the midst of the quiet Iowa cornfields, you’ll find an authentic railroad offering a myriad of events and excursions. The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers rides in 1920s coach cars through a picturesque valley, and they have dinner and picnic trains, too. We think the Wolf Dessert Train featuring seasonal treats sounds especially fun.
Kansas: Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad
Speed along through the Kansas countryside on a steam locomotive from the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. In addition to their regular passenger trains, the railroad also has dinner train rides complete with classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths and tasty fare.
Kentucky: Kentucky Railway Museum
New Haven, Kentucky is home to the Kentucky Railway Museum, the oldest rail museum in the state. See the rolling green fields and farmland from a locomotive or book a private excursion on the caboose. Now that’s a cool idea for a birthday party!
Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.
Easy Summer Crafts for Kids
32 Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts Kids Can Make
Sweet and Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts
Our Top Picture-Perfect Easter Outfits for Kids
